By Oscar Pilipili

Kenya Pipeline women and Prisons men were crowned new champions of Amaco International Volleyball Tournament after three-days of intense action at Eldoret Polytechnic.

The victors overcame respective opponents in befitting final matches to lift the trophies in front a huge crowd.

Prisons beat General Service Unit (GSU) 3-2 (25-14, 25-20, 23-25, 23-25, 15-15) in a five-setter thriller to emerge kings.

Previous champions Ulinzi surrendered the crown after they were beaten 3-2 (25-19, 13-25, 25-18, 17-25, 9-15) by GSU.

New champions also emerged in women’s category after Pipeline saw off traditional rivals and 2012 winners Prisons 3-1 (25-23, 17-25, 25-18, 25-15) to carry home the trophy.

The winners returned home Sh100,000 richer each while runners-up pocketed Sh70,000 courtesy of title sponsors Africa Merchant Assurance Company (Amaco).

The men’s final was rained off the previous day immediately after the first set that was won by the paramilitary men.

The match, however, had to start afresh as the stoppage period had stretched over four hours.

A stopped volleyball match must start afresh if the stoppage period extends beyond four hours.

Prisons returned to court a rejuvenated side and quickly dispersed the paramilitary men in the opening two sets winning 25-14 and 25-20 to take two sets advantage.

GSU improved their attacks and blocks and this worked in their favor as they bagged the third set 25-23 before winning the fourth 25-23.

The deciding set remained close in opening minutes as teams tied at 2, 3 and 4 before GSU managed to open two points lead at 8-6 at change of courts.

GSU piled pressure on Prisons and appeared headed for big victory with 13-11 advantage. But Prisons gained two successive points to level the scores 13-13.

Prisons overtook their opponents at 14-13 before Mike Chemos net attack sealed the set and match at 15-13.

One more point pushed Prisons to set point at 14-13 and a powerful spike by Mike Chemos confirmed the victory.

In women’s category, Pipeline once again dominated over Prisons following their  convincing victory that was their second against the rivals in three days.

The tournament attracted a total of 67 teams from clubs, universities, colleges and schools.

To grace the occasion were Webuye West MP Dan Wanyama who is former captain of National team, Amaco Marketing Executive Martha Oluoch among others.

Oluoch said Amaco happy to partner with the KVF in talent development programme.

She expressed Amaco’s commitment in sponsoring volleyball in other parts of the country and at higher level.

“We’re happy to be involved in mentoring talent and Amaco will continue doing the same in other parts of the country.

Wanyama encouraged upcoming players to balance academics and sports as they complement each other.